Ten Responses to Pro-Abortion Politicians

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

If you've ever written to a pro-abortion politician about the right to
life, you've probably received a form letter that utilizes one of several
worn-out arguments. Let's review how we answer them.

1. "I respect your views, but I have to represent all the
people." Our response: That's what we're trying to say to you.
If you neglect the unborn, you are not representing all the people. Roe vs.
Wade excludes them from protection; we demand that they be included. A
public servant cannot legitimately ignore an entire segment of the public that
is being destroyed.

2. "I'm personally opposed to abortion, but can't impose my views
on others." Our response: This is not a matter of views, but of violence.
The law is supposed to protect human life despite the views of those who
would destroy it.

3. "The government should not be involved in such a personal
decision as abortion." Our response: The government got "too involved" in
abortion when it claimed to have the authority to deprive some human beings of
their right to life. The Declaration of Independence asserts that government
exists to secure the rights already bestowed by the Creator. Moreover,
when somebody's "choice" destroys somebody else's life, that choice is no longer
merely a personal, private matter.

4. "Legislators should not be practicing medicine." Our
response: We're not asking you to practice medicine, but to prevent the abuse of
medicine. The practice of medicine is regulated by all kinds of laws that
protect the lives of patients. All we ask is that the unborn be included in that
protection.

5. "Abortion is the law of the land." Our response: The "law of the
land" can be changed, just as it was changed regarding slavery and segregation.
Leadership means seeing the injustices that others miss, and inspiring people to
utilize the methods the law permits to make necessary changes.

6. "I support women's rights and health." Our response: That is
precisely why you should examine the evidence, which is more plentiful than
ever, that abortion is destructive of women's health, and listen to the growing
voices of those who have been harmed by abortion. That is also why you should
examine how the abortion industry, through unregulated and dangerous clinics,
continues to deceive and exploit women.

7. "Abortion is just one of many issues; I embrace a consistent
ethic of life." Our response: The foundation of a house is only one of many
parts of the house, but it is essential in order to build the other parts. That
is why the Catholic bishops have repeatedly asserted that among the many
interrelated issues within a consistent ethic, abortion deserves "urgent
attention and priority " (Pastoral Plan, 2001).

8. "My office does not involve any decision-making about abortion."
Our response: Your position on abortion says a lot about your character and
worldview. If you cannot stand up for the smallest of children, how will you
stand up for the rest of us?

9. "Let's just agree to disagree." Our response: We have the
greatest respect for those who disagree with us. But when victims are oppressed,
we don't sit back and "agree to disagree" with the oppressor. Rather, we
intervene to save the victim. Abortion is not about beliefs; it's about
bloodshed. Those who need protection need it despite the disagreement of others.

10. Finally, always use the best response to all the arguments: I
vote!